summer house tour






It's Sunday afternoon and I have the house to myself!  For the last month that I've been MIA, I've been on sort of a rearranging rampage around here.  So this post has all the makings of a rambler.  

As you can see in the above photo there are some new to me things.  Nothing was purchased at a store that sells new things but of course you knew that already.  I've pulled lots of junk into the house from the basement and that always makes me feel good which is so strange b/c I love putting things in the basement.




Can I talk about this wall?  Or any long wall for that matter, they are hard.  It has been so difficult getting it right.  And trust me it isn't perfect.  I've had tons of ideas for it ranging from wallpaper to moulding to large art to gallery-style to absolutely nothing.  It has driven me mad once, twice or a zillion times. Those prints are from an old botanical book that I've had for ages and the vintage bamboo frames too.  The iron wall sconces were found at a yard sale about 8 years ago for $1 each.  The ironstone plates are old too.




Here's our Lady looking as regal as ever.


I found this book for $1 and thought of her.









This corner which is connected to that wall has also driven me bs crazy.  But this is what I've come up with.  An old wicker table with the most amazing vintage glass lamp (I found a pair.)  That old deep green pot, .25 from an estate sale filled with hydrangeas from the garden.  The mirror was $1 at an estate sale b/c the top was broken off.  I glued some twigs and 3 tiny pine cones that I picked up at Highgrove Gardens on my garden tour.  I've already been scolded and lectured for stealing them btw.






Here is the other side of the room.  Sorry these pictures are so bad but I'm using my phone these days b/c I'm lazy.  The black and white photographs that used to hang here are in Larry's office atm.





This desk.  It still makes my heart skip a beat.  The little ocean oil painting came from Redlands Country Mart as did the bottle holding the branch.  I know I'm biased but I love that place.
Those are new roman shades from JC Penny which proves I'm a liar b/c I said just 2 minutes ago that nothing was new. Here's the link...Roman Shades.  Quick review of them...they are really great for the price.  Love the bright white color and easy to install.





Lord this is an awful photo but I wanted to show you that I painted the inside of the cabinet with some Annie Sloan Chalk paint that everyone raves about.  It's pretty inside.





I used her Ochre color which is a soft beige.  Now the plates stand out a bit.





Same as 10 years ago.  Not a whole lot changes here & still love it all.





My fern is doing well in this spot which makes me so happy and you may or may not have noticed that the painting above the stove is different.






Alex had given me that gorgeous print of Yosemite a few years ago and needed it for a photo shoot (so he says) and he replaced it with this one which I kinda love even more.







Again, another annoying picture.  But you get the drift.  I made this pillow cover out of a Robert Allen remnant that I've had for years.  I love the charcoal colorway b/c of its soothing qualities. Oh and the light fixture is new (old).  The chandelier is gone which Larry is so happy about because he hit his head on it pretty much every single day.




This room needs flowers stat.


So that's what I've been up to.  What about you?  Someone in the previous post wanted to know how our mortgage is coming along. We are still ahead of schedule.  We've had a few setbacks here and there but are back on track baby.  Also, there's been a few questions about my hair.  I've not touched any dye since I made the decision to go grey.  I like all kinds of grey, from solid to streaky which is what I have.  I imagine one day it'll take over and that'll be ok.

Talk soon like hopefully not a month.   xo

81 comments

  1. All looks lovely for summer! :)

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  2. Looks so warm and inviting...I have missed your posts. You have a gift with decor and it shows with all your personal touches.
    We are having a bit of a heatwave up here and I have been madly working in the garden.

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    1. oh are we having a heatwave too! it's supposed to break today! xo

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  3. Love your home so much, it is so charming and exudes such a simple country elegance. Your summer home is just perfect!

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    1. oh thank you. what a lovely compliment - simple country elegance! xo

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  4. Love all that you have done with the cottage. Those roman shades must make it easier to dust the floor in the dining and living room. 💖

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    1. yes priscilla that and they let in lots of sunlight!

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  5. Beautiful, as always. I love your simple style. I've been on a declutter binge. I want nothing formal or unusable!

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  6. I love your Lady. She reminds me of the Thirties, which is when the Poirot series we've been watching is set.

    I'm wondering what your square footage is? Have been musing on what our next place might be, and it may well be very small. You definitely make small beautiful.

    Re: gray hair -- I like mine, but as it's been growing longer lately, I worry about dryness and damage. Anyone have tips for minimizing them?

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    1. this place is 970 sq feet.

      my hair is really dry too. i don't wash it as often as i used to bc i have let it grow out and can just pull it back or up. i know a deep moisture treatment would do wonders but i rarely take the time to do that.

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  7. your home is so peaceful and calm, I love it. So funny re the Highgrove twigs!!! x

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    1. Me too! Laughed so much! Such a wonderful day that was, despite the awful weather! Agree with FF your home always looks so peaceful and serene. An oasis.
      Best wishes, Pammie

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    2. oh gosh remember how freezing it was that day! and the champagne tea served afterwards? felt so special! x

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  8. A thief and a liar. OMG. No wonder I love you so much.

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  9. The house looks light and cool.

    I love that you love your home. It's just so important to be able to say that and live it. I also like that you change it up without going overboard. Nothing abrupt. But fresh...

    With the warmer days, I'd love if you'd share what you're eating. Vegan summer food; what's easy and good, what's working for you right now...

    Thanks for the post; always good to hear from you, Janet.

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    1. Interesting to read everyone's comments here, in response to yours, about gray hair. I don't know what to do about my hair; so, it seems I'm doing nothing! I stopped coloring ten years ago when I got so busy taking care of my elderly mother...just sorta let a lot of things 'go' in the interest of time and never having enough of it back then...and was shocked as to how gray I was...and I still feel it's really aging, but my husband doesn't want me to touch it. People keep telling me I'm lucky because my gray is very even as if it's professionally weaved in/streaked that way. So, I dunno...

      I always go back to that post where you were talking about how hair dye is so close to our brain (so why would we want to risk harming it, the skin being systemic; I don't know if that's the proper terminology, but the hair dye being absorbed by the skin/scalp, which isn't the greatest idea, and there's conflicting info if hair dye can cause cancer [read what the American Cancer Society has to say about hair dye and decide for yourself]...but if there's even ONE shred of doubt/concern, that's too much for me; I've already fought cancer once and I sure don't want to jeopardize that hard-won battle, over vanity!).

      I do think that gray hair looks best if it's exceptionally well-groomed with a good cut; consistent maintenance! Remember that photo you posted once, of a slim, well-dressed 'senior-aged' woman on the street, coming out of a high-end dress store? At least from the back/side, caught by your cam, she appeared to have a basic but stylish cut and her hair looked very healthy.

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    2. yes i do remember her vicki. she is so chic! i've been in a flux over my hair this past year. i've let it get longish twice and am heading that way again. i just like putting it up, it's so much easier! i will do a post asap re diet and things we are eating. exciting news is that larry has gone vegan! xo

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    3. Good for him; he's been gradually transitioning for awhile but it's still a big step although he's lucky he's got you to lead the way. You'll both be healthier and ward off bad disease by eating clean. Congrats to Larry!

      Makes me so happy to hear your voice again, Janet. xo back atcha

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  10. I like to see how your home morphs with your life and now it seems you are in a season to seek comfort with a little less minimalism and a bit more cosiness! Love your house whichever way it's styled though. Always looking out for your posts...

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    1. thank you swissrose. my house will never be truly finished. i love fussing with things! x

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  11. Great style....you have an artist's eye. I love the patina-rich antiques with the white walls. As always everything is yummy!

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  12. Was so happy to see a post from you in my blog feed! Loved the tour, and loved everything you've done!

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  13. Very pretty! I have one odd question: how do you deal with the nail holes in the wall when you move things around? We spackled and painted the living room. Now I don't want to put holes in the wall. I need to get past this because it's looking a little sparse!

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    1. thanks katie. well i just put a little spackle (the kind that comes in a tube) in ea hole and then smooth it with my finger. after it dries i keep a small can of touch up paint in the house and dab some on. i recently just washed and wiped down all the walls and did a patching spree afterwards. but you could try the velcro hanging tapes, they work really well. x

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    2. Thanks! You are way more organized than I am

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  14. I love all the subtle touches, very you and so very pretty! And the price tags....wow! I did immediately notice the new art in your kitchen. I love this little painting! But, the Lady is my very favorite. I've always been drawn to portrait paintings! Appreciate the blow by blow on the changes. So much fun to read and see!

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    1. awww thanks emily. hope all is well with you and your family. xoxo

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  15. If you are taking suggestions for the back wall. I think a collection of botanicals would be really pretty. Also the taxidermy would be nice above your armoire (either one!). Beautiful home, nonetheless.

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    1. thanks unknown. yes, that's what i have up there now and love the look of it and i've moved that bird around everywhere. he's been on top of the china hutch before and will prob be up there again! xo

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  16. So very beautiful.
    ...Sigh !

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  17. I'll never tire of seeing your wonderful home. You are such an inspiration and I'm always looking forward to your blog posts!
    Tanja

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  18. I wholeheartedly agree with Tanja xx

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  19. Still in love with your kitchen after all these years . . . . And your kitchen cabinets are the best ever.

    (And the rest of your house is pretty great too.)

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  20. Janet, I love everything about your cottage and the simple changes that you have recently made. I'm always so relieved when I pull up your blog that it is still available and that you are still occasionally posting. Yours is one of only three that I still follow. Love the new white white shades, wish they made them to fit my windows but alas they don't. Hope you have a lovely July, look forward to seeing your hair sometime in the future.

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    1. thank you vee. i'm trying to keep the blog up and going. so busy these days but i do love interacting with you all so much. xo

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  21. I am SO out of touch when it comes to your THREE LETTER words.........I got most of them after thinking a MOMENT REAL HARD!MY hair is doing the same..............husband even commented on it last night!I think YOU are a better bargain HUNTER THAN I WAS!THat is a BIG COMPLIMENT............seeing your post makes me think of our friend STEPHEN ANDREW....................I'm off to check in with him!XX

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    1. oh sorry about all those abbreviations. glad you figured them out:) i miss stephen andrew, will check in on him too. x

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  22. Was so happy to find your new post! All your changes look so pretty and sounds like you have had lots of fun w/it. So important! I love to putter w/my house/stuff also. Like my granddaughter, Sophie, said when we asked her what she likes to do at her house, she said, " I like to walk around the house and tweak things" She's 10 and already enjoys doing those things - I love it! Have a wonderful summer and please post again soon ! Kay

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  23. Missed you Janet but see you've been busy with some beautifully subtle changes. Though if I did a house tour shoot I'd be MIA for months. Roof is being re-pantiled and a bit of building work. Everywhere I look I see mess and dust and clutter :-(.
    So pleased my favourite navy and green cushions are back on the sofa, they are a delight.
    Maybe you'll give us a pic of your hair sometime, it would be good to see how it's going. I'm still "skunk", no uniformity of grey on my head, just thick bands of it on the sides.

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    1. ah thank you! from what i can tell you home is quite lovely, as is your hair! will work on getting a photo together of my hair. x

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  24. I love your house tours. Not just because it's lovely but also seeing what you've done helps keep me hopeful that someday I really will have a cottage of my own that I can call home and be creative in.

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  25. Always happy to see a post from you, Janet. Love the tweaks you've made in your home. You really have the touch.

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  26. I would love to see a hair picture!

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  27. I love your house and I consider it to be perfect. I wish I had white walls, I would copy your style.

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  28. Just when I think your home is just about perfect, you make changes that I find even more lovely. I really like the changes you made to your TV wall, as well as the Roman shades and painting the inside of your dish cabinet. Your home is so calming and simply elegant. Even after all these years you continue to inspire me.

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    1. you know melodee after being here for 10 years i feel as if i'm just now settling in. xo

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  29. Hi Janet.
    I immediately popped over to the roman shade link. I am in desperate need for a shade over my tub to replace the Lowe's paper shade that has been there far too long. Since I trust your decisions completely......why did you choose the fabric you did over the cotton twill.....or better yet which do you think would be better over a tub? Thank you so much. Jamie

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    1. hi jamie. i just corrected the link. i did buy the cotton twill! thanks for pointing that out. :) x

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  30. Whatever you do is gorgeous, Janet. I love the 'new' painting above the stove.

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  31. i accidentally deleted a comment wanting to know the color of the walls. it's BM simply white on walls and trim. x

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  32. The best house tour I have seen in a long time, thankyou for sharing !!

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  33. One more thing I forgot, Janet– where did you put the very cool adjustable brass lamp that used to be next to the sofa? I love that!

    Cara

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    1. hi cara. right now it's in the basement. it is in need of a lamp repair person. the joint where the lamp articulates is stripped and needs replaced. i really love that lamp too!

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  34. Hi Janet, have missed your posts lately. Like the changes you have made but I admit I miss the chandelier. Funny story about the mirror...I assume Larry was the one that scolded you?

    Enjoy the break in the hot weather. It actually made me ill the other day...I have become so sensitive to the heat as I have gotten older.

    Linda
    xo

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  35. I'm late to the party home tour, but I blame my computer which gives me your emails saying you have a new post a day late, or more, every time!
    I've said it before, your home is truly my absolute favorite online home. In part because it's got charm to spare and you live in California (like me), and because your talents create a warm and welcoming space that never feels small. I'm so happy when you post and always enjoy your words and wisdom! Thank you.
    xo,
    Karen

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  36. I just absolutely love when I see a new post. I went through it a few times. Does that sound weird? You gave me a few new ideas. Painting my black hutch inside. I found a pretty blue n white Toile remnent at rummage sale. I will make into a long pillow.
    I continue to rid out. Feels great.
    Thank you for your encouraging blog❤

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  37. Ahhh... just so beautiful and relaxing. My fantasy is that you come and design my house- the whole shebang, top to bottom. Dream home.

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  38. Where have you been all my life?! How have I missed this blog...you have gray hair..check...you don't buy anything new...check...and I love everything about your house!! So happy to have found you!

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  39. So enjoying going through this post again on an early Sunday morning. Like I've said before your post are like a beautiful book I glean from.
    I've now added flowers n greenery to my home all summer. I ridded out even more and love the simple peace. I was in need of a new lamp and found a glass one similar to yours free now sitting in my morning room. My sister was recently sent to a memory care unit due to dementia. I have gotten a few of her
    Extra things a picture...blue n white little vases..a pillow. These are treasures now remembering her. Love your blog. Thank you.

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  40. Hello, just found your blog. LOVE, LOVE everything I've seen thus far and am anticipating every beautiful thing I'll see next!

    Anne Nonymous (not really but don't have a blog.) :-)

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kindness is never out of style.

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